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Piazza Maggiore
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · IT

Piazza Maggiore

Getting around: The literal center of Bologna, a short walk from the train station (about 20-25 minutes, or a quick bus/taxi ride) and from most hotels in the historic core.
Hours: Open at all times as a public square; surrounding buildings (Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo d'Accursio) keep their own separate hours.

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square and the traditional heart of civic life, flanked by the Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio (city hall), and the Palazzo dei Notai. It's been the city's central gathering space since the 13th century and remains one today, hosting markets, concerts, film screenings, and political rallies.

Adjoining it is the smaller Piazza del Nettuno, home to Giambologna's 16th-century Fountain of Neptune, a bronze statue that has become one of Bologna's most recognizable symbols.

The square is entirely free and open, making it a natural starting point for exploring the city's porticoed streets, and it's especially lively in the evening when the surrounding cafes fill up.

Piazza Maggiore FAQs

Is there an entry fee for the piazza?

No, it's a free public square, open around the clock.

What is the statue nearby?

The Fountain of Neptune, a Renaissance bronze by Giambologna from the 1560s, stands in the adjoining Piazza del Nettuno.

Is the square a good place to eat?

There are cafes and restaurants around its edges, though prices run higher than side streets a block or two away.

Does anything happen here at night?

In summer, the square often hosts outdoor film screenings and events; year-round it's a popular evening meeting spot.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, the square is flat, open pavement with no barriers to entry.

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